Repeka achieves goal
DUBBED Fiji’s rugby town because of its provincial rugby team’s success and influence on the national rugby scene, Sigatoka has produced many rugby professionals such as Nemani Nadolo, Maleli Kunavore and Ifereimi Tawake, to name a few.
And just like them, 26-yearold Repeka Adi Tove is striving to put her name on the rugby map as she joins the 2024 Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women’s team.
Her rugby journey started when she joined the Nadroga rugby women’s team two years ago and became captain a year later. The team then participated in the ANZ Marama Championship where they beat Rewa in round four of the competition.
Not only is the outspoken fullback skillful on the field, she has also accomplished her goal in the academia as a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Science.
Becoming a part-timer at the Nacocolevu Research station before she hooked up with the sport, the Nahigatoka lass owes her accomplishments to her family back at home.
“I worked really hard to get here,” she says
“Even though it’s just been two years, I am looking forward to the time when I will be sure to make my family more proud.”
She spent high school years in Adi Cakobau School before finishing off her senior year at Sigatoka Andhra College.
Repeka says the time she spent playing rugby with her friends in her free time has paid off.
“I’m happy and proud because we all started off somewhere. For me, I started playing rugby with my friends.
“It was not only the fact that I played well but because the coach saw that I was able to perform at international level which is why I’ve been chosen to be part of this team.
“I am beyond grateful to God for this opportunity.”
Repeka loves chicken cooked in lovo and is a fan of reggae music, which has influenced her style of dressing.
“I love listening to reggae. I try to dress up in reggae inspired clothes sometimes,” she say with a laugh.
“My favorite artists are the Senilagakali band. My family likes listening to them too.
“And I like the color blue. It stands out for me.”
Repeka wasn’t named in the squad that toured Japan and Dubai for the World XV and felt a bit discouraged, but that alone hasn’t stopped from training. Instead, she has used it as an opportunity to better herself.
“When I joined the team last year for the World XV, I wasn’t named in the squad that went to Japan and Dubai, so I was a bit down but only for a while.
“I trained hard after that and worked my way through until I received a call to join the Drua women’s team.
“My family was really happy because this is good exposure for me as a player and an opportunity for my family, financially especially.
“So, if I have to advise my young friends out there, if you’re interested in rugby, you work towards it.
“Keep moving forward with your plans and make sure to thank God as you go along.”
Even though it’s just been two years, I am looking forward to the time when I will be sure to make my family more proud
– Repeka Adi Tove